Construction underway on Twelve Apostles visitor centre in Victoria

Construction on regional Victoria's Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre is now underway, following the recent completion of the new Twelve Apostles viewing platform.

The new visitor centre, designed by Grimshaw Architects and Aspect Studios, will include an exhibition space, retail and hospitality offerings, office spaces, and a rooftop lookout with views of the Shipwreck Coast, as well as additional car and bus parking and new and upgraded road infrastructure. A new welcome garden will also be established.

The facility will serve as a space for educating visitors about the history of coast and the shipwrecks it has become renowned for.

The new centre forms part of the $126 million Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment, funded by the Geelong City Deal - a 10-year plan between all three levels of government aimed at revitalising and encouraging greater visitation to Geelong and the Great Ocean Road.

The Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) has been involved throughout the design process. EMAC CEO Marcus Clarke said "the design is one that reflects Kirrae Whurrong culture and our shared history, while harmonising with the natural landscape."

"It's about sharing Land, Sky and Sea Country stories and giving everyone the opportunity to learn and experience these," he said.

The Twelve Apostles is one of the most visited natural attractions in Australia.

Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government Kristy McBain said the site attracts almost two million visitors per year.

"It's an exciting time for the Shipwreck Coast as we work together with the Victorian Government and local councils to continue making the region an amazing place to live, work and visit," McBain commented.

The Twelve Apostles precinct projects are part of the wider Shipwreck Coast masterplan by McGregor Coxall and Denton Corker Marshall. The masterplan covers a 28-kilometre stretch of Great Ocean Road between Princetown and the Bay of Islands with a total of 72 projects. The Twelve Apostles viewing platform, also designed by McGregor Coxall and Denton Corker Marshall, was completed in early 2024.

Grimshaw Architects and Aspect Studios were appointed to design the visitor centre in April 2023. Construction on the Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre is anticipated to be complete in 2026.